In the Midwest, it's still winter, but we've had a few days of 50 degree weather bringing a much needed break to the cold winter winds. As I brought my children home from school, leaving my winter coat at home, I scanned over to my neighbor who had dusted off his barbecue grill and was making some heavenly … [Read more...]
Super Bowl Entertaining Essentials
January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
It's that time of the year again...Super Bowl party time! And just like every year before, you're ready to see the champs collide on the green. But you wouldn't dare do it without having all of your football-loving friends gathered around the TV first. Get ready for the big game this year with the Super … [Read more...]
Winter Weather and Illness: When to Change Party Plans
December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In the summertime, rainy days can spoil an outdoor party, but a backup, indoor location can still save the day. In the winter, it's unlikely that you'll plan or be invited to an outdoor event, but there are still some party pooping circumstances that could hamper your holiday plans. Between weather with … [Read more...]
Stick to Simple Beverages for Holiday Parties
December 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
If you're having family and friends over for the holidays, there's a lot of planning that goes into the meal, but what about the drinks? It's hard to know exactly what, and how much to get, so the best course of action is to keep things as simple as possible. The whole point of a family holiday party … [Read more...]
Holiday Parties: Hosting Responsibly
December 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When I was a kid, families in my area always held parties around the holidays for friends and family. We were a small town and everyone knew each other, so people would pop in and out throughout the evening. They'd have a few drinks, eat some appetizers and possibly move on to the next party for the … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving: Don’t Forget to Entertain the Kids
November 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
My aunt ran the Thanksgiving festivities for years and as time went on, she accumulated a lot of breakable figurines and other items that she proudly displayed in her home. They were there when I was a kid, but once my generation got older, she started collecting again. Fast forward 10 or so years, … [Read more...]
3 Easy Ways to Make Thanksgiving Memorable
November 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The month of November is supposed to be a time where we reflect on our joys and are thankful for the things in our life. My wife and I have not had an easy life together, and after what seems like forever, we have finally reached a place of security and serenity. We treasure Thanksgiving because, … [Read more...]
Entertaining Guests? Make Room At Home Or At A Venue
November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When I was a kid, family parties were always done at the home of a relative. Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter were major family functions where homes were filled to the brim with children and adults. Entire rooms were cleared of furniture and breakables to make room for tables and chairs. When my … [Read more...]
Mind the Frost When You Entertain Outdoors
October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The problem about this time of year is that it is completely unpredictable. You could have a 70 degree day on Tuesday and a 40 degree day on Wednesday. Even worse, is when the temperature drops 30 or 40 degrees overnight. One of the problems that arises is the sudden formation of frost on the ground. … [Read more...]
Halloween Party: Indoors or Outdoors?
September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It's about the right time to start planning that yearly Halloween shindig, and you've got a lot of decisions ahead of you. Do you invite weird Uncle Fred with the drooling problem after last year's bobbing for apples fiasco? Do you set out the peanuts knowing Aunt Frieda tends to forget about her allergy? One … [Read more...]
